Newcastle manager issues “hands off” warning
Alan Pardew has stated his desire to keep star defender Fabricio Coloccini at Newcastle, following reports that Liverpool have declared their interest.
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has recently took both Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique from St James’ Park during this year, meanwhile the Magpies’ boss has insisted that he will not allow their captain to follow the paths of Carroll and Enrique.
The Argentina international has one more season remaining on his existing contract, but Pardew remains confident that the 29-year-old will stay with the North East giants.
He told the Daily Mail: “Liverpool like looking at our players, don’t they?
“He’s been outstanding for us as a captain and a player and we’re in negotiations with him on a new contract.”
Pardew has also backed winger Hatem Ben Arfa to finda his form following his recovery from a broken leg he suffered from a Nigel De Jong challenge last season.
Although, the Toon boss understands that it will take the French international time to find his form after an unimpressive display against Blackburn in their Carling Cup defeat this week.
He added: “Perhaps too much is expected of Hatem.
“I didn’t think it was his best game at Blackburn, he’ll play a lot better than that. It’s difficult as a striker to come into the team and have an immediate impact, especially when you’ve been out for a long, long time.”
Pardew continued to say, “Possibly he’s trying too hard to make an impact. With Hatem it’s a question of being patient and above all him being patient, to make sure he gets himself right, because when he does he’ll be a fantastic player for us.”
